Author Spotlight!! J.A. Derouen

Author Spotlight!

J.A. Derouen

  

Author Interview

What prompted you to write your first book?

I’ve spent most of my life honing the skill of daydreaming to an art form. Over the past few years, a fictitious town in Louisiana took root in my mind, complete with residents, pasts, and intertwining lives. They inundate my mind, never too far from my thoughts. Putting the story to paper has been cathartic, almost like a form of therapy. I’m not sure that it’s a want as much as a compulsion.

Is there anything or anyone in particular that you draw inspiration from?

I’d have to say my 10 year old son. Last year, he wrote a poem that won first place in the parish, then eventually state, Young Author’s Contest. At the ripe old age of 8, my son was a published author. The message of the poem centered on individuality and being exactly who you are. What an inspiring notion! And with those words, my little professor inspired me.

Which story has been your favorite to write?

I’m in the process of writing my second book, Wings Over Poppies, and I’m having a blast doing it. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time writing Hope Over Fear, but I’ve met so many readers and authors in the indie book world over the past few months. They’ve made writing Wings Over Poppies such a wonderful experience.

Is there a book concept you’re just dying to write?

I have this idea about a separated married couple that keeps popping up in my mind.  The story centers on the events during the separation and the consequences that follow. It’s not on the calendar for at least a couple of years, so I’ll leave it at that for now.

Which character of yours, is your favorite?

I would have to say Cain Bennett. He’s a supporting character in both books, and he holds my heart for sure. He’s a sweet, sexy, country boy with a hot body, a filthy mouth, and a heart of gold. I love the gentle giants. He’ll play a larger role in book 3 of the Over Series.

Do you have a favorite book?

I have so many favorites, it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. When go through the mile long list, I keep going back to Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese. It’s a beautiful story of twin brothers who were born in an Ethiopian mission hospital. The book follows the brothers through childhood, the Ethiopian revolution, medical school, and finally, across the world to the United States. It’s a touching story that anyone would enjoy, but I highly recommend it to anyone in the medical field.

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Belle from Beauty in the Beast is definitely my favorite. A princess who sees the beauty inside and has a penchant for reading? That’s my kind of girl.

Do you have a method to your writing process? Outlining, etc.

I’m a coffee shop writer, hardly ever getting anything accomplished at home.  I don’t outline—that would be way to organized for my taste. I prefer to have little notes jotted down on receipts and typed into my phone, most of which were written while pulled over on the side of the road. I like to think of it as barely organized chaos.

Have you ever gone back to book you’ve published and wished you could have changed the ending or some other major aspect of the story?

I’m a newbie author, so my slate is clean right now. I’m hoping I can keep it that way for a bit longer. ;)

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to new writers?

Just do you. That’s what I tell myself every day. I can’t be anyone else but me. Sincerity and authenticity will always ring true. 

About J.A. Derouen

J.A. Derouen resides in South Louisiana with her husband, son (aptly nicknamed "The Professor"), and her furry friend, Scout. She has earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing. When she's not writing or inhaling romance novels by the stack, she works as a women's health nurse. She’s been an avid reader and daydreamer since childhood, and she's never stopped turning the page to get to the next happily ever after.

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Books by J.A. Derouen

Hope Over Fear

By J.A. Derouen

Release Date: July, 28 2014

Genre: New Adult Romance

Today is the day – the day that the man I love marries someone else. I don’t deserve pity or sympathy. I’ve made my bed. I left Mason and ripped his heart to pieces as I ran away. The guilt and sorrow consume me, threatening to choke me everyday.

But today is a new beginning. Today is the day I will wake up with a renewed resolve and determination to do better … to be better … to be worthy. My name is Sara Preston, and this is my story about what happens after.

Hope Over Fear can be read as a stand alone novel.

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 **Cover Reveal/12/11/14**

Wings Over Poppies

(Over Series #2)

By J.A. Derouen

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Genre: New Adult Romance

Perfection. One word. Three syllables. Every reason why I’ll never have the one thing I truly want. I stand dutifully on the pedestal he’s built, waiting for the day he truly sees me.

Then one amazing night, he lets down his walls, only to leave me the next day.

Years have passed, and I’ve tried to move on with my life. But I still dream of him. I still miss him everyday. The memories haunt me. How can I look to the future when my past remains a mystery? The time has come to find the boy who stole my heart and ran away without a word.

But not everyone who is lost wants to be found.

My name is Alexandra Fontaine, and this is my story of unfinished love.

Wings Over Poppies is book #2 in The Over Series and can be read as a standalone novel.

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